Also:

Dogs are masters of giving thanks. You just have to look in a dog’s direction and he will proclaim himself the luckiest dog alive to have a friend like you, and he will never leave you alone again.

Cats, on the other hand, are much more subtle with expressing gratitude, nearly to the point of not expressing any at all. It makes us wonder: Are cats really thankful? In order to find out, asked my cat Stella.

Do I look like someone who thanks? (Photo of Stella by Gina Cioli/i-5 Studio.)

Me: It’s almost Thanksgiving, Stella, and I was just wondering: What are you thankful for?

Stella: What does “thankful” mean? Is that Italian? Is that like an olive or cheese?

It’s gratitude for the things you have. For the things I give you.

You give me things?

Well, sure. Your food, for one.

But it’s my food.

But I go to the store and buy it.

What is my food doing in a store? It belongs to me.

I need to purchase it first.

Why are you keeping my food from me? I demand my food!

No, it’s not your food, it’s made by a company, which then sells it and … oh, forget it.

You’re doing something fishy with my food, aren’t you?

Forget about your food. How about this place you live in? You must at least be thankful for that.

[Looks around room]

What?

Oh, nothing. It’s very nice.

It’s a nice house!

It’s no Serengeti.

What, you’d rather live outside?

That sounds great!

What? No, it wouldn’t be great.

Yes it would. The fresh air, the small mammals. I could roam …

What about your cat bed? That cost me $29. You must be thankful for that.

How much did your car cost?

What does my car have to do with your —

It cost $2,000 down at signing and $329 a month.

What?

I saw it in a commercial.

But I work for that car. And this house.

Hey, I work, too. Do know how many moths would be in this house if I didn’t kill them?